Fort Lauderdale, FL (November 15, 2017) – Advent, meaning “coming” in Latin, is a joyous time for Christians as preparations are made for the Christmas season. First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale plans for Advent all year long and is celebrating this year’s season with a series of exciting events!
On Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 5 p.m., the Advent celebration will officially kick off with the Hanging of the Greens. This joyous family-friendly service will feature a full Scottish pipe and drum band, the blessing of the newborns, congregational Christmas carol favorites, music by the church’s talented children’s and youth choirs, and a post-service gathering with refreshments.
“Hanging of the Greens is the ultimate celebration to kick off the Advent season,” said Robin L. McEachern, Minister of Music at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale. “Filled with music your faith is sure to come alive this Christmas season with this one-of-a-kind service that appeals to all ages.”
In addition to Hanging of the Greens, First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale has several other Advent programs planned, including a new addition entitled “A Journey Through Advent.”
“This brand new offering is a three-part series,” said Mona Petersen, Director of Adult Education Ministry and Small Groups. “A Journey Through Advent will be a beautiful representation of Jesus Christ through art, music and photography.”
First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale’s 2017 Advent event schedule includes:
A Journey Through Advent
November 29 – December 13, 2017
Join First Pres on a journey as we experience together the Art, the Music and the Innovative Photography by world-renowned photographer Michael Belk, and the influence that Jesus Christ had on our world.
- A Journey Through Art with Mary Helen Merchant and Barbara and Jim Sabin
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
- A Journey Through Music with Mary Helen Merchant and Robin L. McEachern
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
- Journeys With The Messiah® with Michael Belk
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Journeys With The Messiah® is a series of photographs depicting Jesus’ messages, designed to help you see His relevance from an innovative and inviting perspective.
All “Journey” sessions will be held in Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m. following Wednesday Night Live! Dinner. For more information and to RSVP for dinner, contact Mona Petersen at (954) 598-9345 or monap@firstpres.cc.
Annual Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
The Cathedral Choir and guest solo quartet, accompanied by members of the Symphony of the Americas, will present the glorious music of Christmas. Highlights of this program will be Mozart’s Coronation Mass in C,” works by John Rutter and Dan Forrest, and two suites from the “Many Moods of Christmas” by Robert Shaw.
Christmas Eve Morning Worship
11 a.m. – A single traditional service of worship in the Sanctuary
Christmas Eve Worship Services
Sunday, December 24, 2017
5 p.m. – Family Christmas Eve candlelight service with the Children’s Choirs
6:30 p.m. – Contemporary Christmas Eve worship in Fellowship Hall
8 p.m. and 10 p.m. – Traditional Christmas Eve candlelight services, with Communion and the Cathedral Choir (8 p.m.) and Kirk Singers and Alumni (10 p.m.)
New Year’s Eve Worship
Sunday, December 31, 2017
A single traditional worship service for all will take place at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
For additional information about any of these exciting opportunities to celebrate the 2017 Advent season at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale, please call (954) 462-6200 or visit firstpres.cc.